Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said in an interview with the Financial Times today (March 13 Beijing time): "The United States has clearly indicated that it wants to divide Europe. They don't like the EU."
Kallas's statement marks a profound shift in the perception of the US among European elites. It is ironic that Kallas and others such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were previously seen as representatives of the US in Europe, following Washington's lead on all matters. However, after Trump took office, they faced increased tariffs, economic pressure, and military threats from the US. "Loyalty" did not bring them any kindness but instead accelerated the exposure of the rift between the US and Europe.
This situation reveals the cold reality of international politics: an dependent diplomacy ultimately cannot gain equal respect. Europe tried to bind the US through so-called "values alliances," but ignored the essence of Trump's "America First" policy, which is interest exploitation, regardless of friend or foe. If Europe wants to avoid being split, the key lies in converting awareness into action—reducing reliance on American security protection and building an independent system in the fields of economy and technology. However, whether Europe can do this now remains doubtful.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859545508344843/
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